What Your Neighbors Are Saying.
"As a Providence Police officer with over 20 years of service, I've watched my pension become a political football time and again — and Question 7 would make it worse. Politicizing our retirement fund with foreign policy criteria puts the hard-earned security my family depends on at risk, and opens the door for city officials to reshape our pensions around whatever cause is politically popular next. I've earned this pension through two decades of service to this city — I don't want to see it turned into a tool for someone else's agenda."
— Napoleon B., Former Providence Police Officer
________________________________________________________
"As a lifelong resident of Providence and someone who cares deeply about the future of our city, I very strongly oppose Question 7. I believe Providence should concentrate its limited resources, attention and investment decisions on the needs of Providence residents not use municipal government as a vehicle for taking positions on complicated international conflicts and matters. I am particularly concerned about the precedent this measure would establish and the possibility that decisions about our city’s finances could become driven by international political disputes rather than local priorities. I believe Providence can care deeply about human rights and oppose suffering around the world without turning our municipal government into an instrument of foreign policy. Our city should focus on bringing people together in our city and not create additional divisions within our community."
— Seth A., Providence Resident
________________________________________________________
"As a Jewish artist and elementary school teacher who has built my life here in Providence, I have always felt proud to be part of this community and to contribute to the creative and educational life of our city. That is why it was so painful and unsettling to be approached by multiple people asking me to sign the petition for divestment, and to feel singled out because of my Jewish identity. This ballot measure is xenophobic, and unfairly singles out our community. I want Providence to remain a place where Jewish people can live openly, feel that we belong, and participate in our community without feeling targeted or pressured because of who we are, or because of our connection to Israel."
— Dana P., Providence Resident
________________________________________________________
"My opposition to Question 7 stems from a belief that true advocacy should lift people up, not push communities apart. This measure offers no tangible benefit to the Palestinian people, while actively harming community cohesion here in Providence. This divestment is merely a symbolic gesture that sends a message to our Israeli and Jewish neighbors that we are unwelcome here. Instead of performative politics, we should focus on direct humanitarian aid and peacebuilding efforts, or prioritize initiatives that directly strengthen our own city and communities."
— Regina M., Providence Resident
________________________________________________________
"Decisions about Providence should be based on what is best for Providence, not the political cause of the day.
I oppose Question 7 because it singles out the world's only Jewish state. Advancing peace in the Middle East is important, but this ballot measure doesn't affect anything happening abroad — it only makes many people feel unsafe here at home. At a time of rising antisemitism in Providence, this measure deepens division within the Jewish community and makes me feel unwelcome in the city I grew up in and call home."
— Emily G., Providence Resident
________________________________________________________
"I oppose the ballot measure because it singles out Israel, the world’s only Jewish state. I am deeply concerned that singling out Israel in this manner will further normalize hostility toward Israel and, in turn, intensify antisemitism within our community. At a time when Jewish Americans are already confronting increased antisemitic harassment and violence, Providence should not adopt measures that could deepen hostility toward its Jewish residents or make them feel less safe and welcome in their own city."
— May-Tal S., Providence Resident
________________________________________________________
“As a Providence resident and local nonprofit leader, I oppose this measure. City investment decisions should be based on fiduciary responsibility, not foreign policy positions that will not influence any changes on the ground. This symbolic divestment measure singles out one conflict and one community, and fuels antisemitism here at home. This measure proposes something that costs a loss of investment returns, impacts our city’s fiscal ability to support our citizens, and puts my community at risk.”
— Katie L., Providence Resident
________________________________________________________
"As a Providence resident of 22 years, I'll be voting no on Question 7 this November. Municipal tax dollars shouldn't be a vehicle for political statements. Providence's financial decisions should rest on sound fiscal policy, not the cause of the moment. This measure threatens the city's fiscal health, and it sends a message that makes my Jewish friends and neighbors feel unwelcome."
— Ed B., Providence Resident
